In Rural Reveal, a year-long project across five counties in North Central Minnesota, artists and community partners came together to lift up the stories of people doing equity, inclusion, and welcoming work in rural places. The effort was grounded in three core practices: deep listening and inviting people into the conversation, working with artists to translate stories in ways that resonate, and staying rooted in local relationships so that changemakers feel seen and supported rather than isolated. Through interviews, story circles (focused conversations in sectors like food access, health care, and infrastructure), and creative reflections (poetry, visual art, audio), the project surfaced both the joys and challenges of changemaking in rural settings. What emerged were lessons about the power of personal narratives, the need for recognition of “everyday” changemakers (not just official leaders), and how connection, empathy, and validation can help sustain work that is often emotionally taxing but deeply vital.

To access the report, please enter your name and email address below. DoPT will never share your email address with any outside organization.